Applications Team Leader

Croda is a FTSE 100 organisation where we believe our people are our difference and this, along with our values of Innovative, Responsible and Together, creates ‘our Purpose, Smart science to improve lives™’. With over 5,000 employees globally, we specialise in the research and development of innovative ingredients for the Life Science and Consumer Care markets.

We are focused on developing our inclusive culture through accountability, collaboration, and innovation. By joining Croda, you will be part of a team who are using smart science to create a more sustainable future.

As we deliver our ambitious 2030 Growth Strategy, to increase INCOTEC’s competitiveness by developing products that aim to realize sales of new and existing products and technologies, driven by market needs, in line with current strategy and processes.

Incotec is part of Croda Agriculture, which provides innovative crop protection and seed enhancement technologies. Incotec enables the agricultural community to improve yields and contribute to global food security.

What We’re Looking For:

• University degree in chemistry, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, formulation chemistry
• 10 or more years of related experience (bachelor).
• 5 or more years of related experience (masters)
• 3 or more years of related experience (PhD)
• Excellent communication skills; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate across multiple technical levels.
• Ability to communicate with global colleagues
• Other Skills:
• Ability to train, manage, stimulate, and motivate individuals as well as groups in a professional manner, and to those who have less background, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically, precisely, and creatively.

Ability to delegate some research responsibilities to maintain deadlines.

• Strong leadership, organizational, communication and human relations skills are an absolute necessity.
• Must have excellent laboratory skills while maintaining a clean working environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in fast-paced business. Ability to adjust based on business needs and resources available.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Participate in development of research program strategies. Support the goals of INCOTEC Worldwide. Maintain regular communication with other INCOTEC and Croda locations.
• Plan, execute, interpret, and evaluate prioritized formulation, coating, using all available resources efficiently. Verifying that all ideas, projects, and experiments are recorded in the worldwide R&T database.
• Provide necessary documentation, resources, and support for the team to complete research program.
• Effectively release new products in the marketplace by providing production with concise work instructions, technical support, and quality standards.
• Lead new product development and proposal of original solutions by communication with sales/marketing, customers, global colleagues, market evaluation, and regulation.
• Take a leading role in the improvement of current products or technologies and their use in production, marketing, and sales.
• Analyze product quality and examine product deviations working to bring resolution and closure to the deviation.
• Continually update sales/marketing and global colleagues on project progress and team updates and projects.
• Provide leadership, training, and development of application scientists/technicians and other staff members. Must be an advocate and connection for team to higher levels of INCOTEC/Croda network.
• Appraise, coach and develop staff through effective use of performance management techniques.
• Attend trade shows and field days and visit customers and suppliers to build technical capability and market knowledge.
• Draft, edit, and approve technical presentations, technical reports, project proposals, and customer work requests.
• Research program strategies.
• Project assignment and project direction
• Planning of Long-term Capital Expenditures
• Maintain Expenditures within Budget for each year.
• Complete monthly reports and presentations related to the department.
• Complete a yearly report related to the department for the yearly quality system review.
• Assist with Company tours, product brochures, and customer meetings as needed.

What We Offer:

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
• Generous PTO
• 401K Match
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Company paid and voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid Holidays

Additional Information:

This is a site-based role located in Urbandale, IA.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email candidate@croda.com.

Annual Base Salary Range:

$115,000.00 to $130,000. This range reflects the base salary the company expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, experience, education, and skill level. Additional compensation, such as annual bonuses or other incentives, may be offered based on eligibility and company policies.

Why Croda?

At Croda, we believe our people are our difference. We are people-led, driven by the desire to do good and deliver value, a unifying principle shaped by all the great people that have travelled through Croda since our beginning in 1925. We pride ourselves on bringing together diverse teams and talents from across the globe and, guided by our values of Responsible, Innovative, and Together, we are passionate about building an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse organisation with innovation and customer focus underpinning all that we do.

Croda recognizes employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on any protected attribute, including age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.